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{{Christianity by country}}
{{Christianity by country}}
'''Christianity''' is a minority religion in [[Sri Lanka]]. Christianity was introduced to the island in first century, probably in AD 72.<ref>{{cite journal | url=http://www.academia.edu/2479850/Another_Ancient_Christian_Presence_in_Sri_Lanka_The_Ethiopians_of_Aksum | title=Another Ancient Christian Presence in Sri Lanka: The Ethiopians of Aksum | author=Mihindukulasuriya, Prabo}}</ref> There is a claim that after [[Thomas the Apostle]]’s visit in Kerala in AD 52, Christianity was introduced via [[Christianity in India|India]] due to its close geographical and commercial ties.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.aina.org/ata/20130903031249.htm | title=Early Christianity in Sri Lanka and India and Issues of Identity | publisher=Assyrian International News Agency | accessdate=26 February 2015 | author=Aprem, Mar}}</ref> According to Christian traditions, the apostle Thomas preached the Gospel in Sri Lanka<ref>{{cite web | url=https://books.google.lk/books?id=OzEOKNPsv2EC&pg=PA259&lpg=PA259&dq=Apostle+Thomas+arrived+in+Sri+Lanka&source=bl&ots=u_f-sizHMB&sig=1X7wPU-lxfkU9c1xN8SRnRx1b2Y&hl=en&sa=X&ei=OOzuVNrwN4WXuASFj4DQBA&ved=0CE4Q6AEwCTgK#v=onepage&q=Apostle%20Thomas%20arrived%20in%20Sri%20Lanka&f=false | title=Peoples of the Buddhist World: A Christian Prayer Diary | publisher=William Carey Library | date=2004 | accessdate=26 February 2015 | author=Hattaway, Paul}}</ref> Records suggest that St. Thomas Christians and Nestorian Christians lived in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/a-brief-history-of-christianity-in-sri-lanka/ | title=A Brief History Of Christianity In Sri Lanka | publisher=Colombo Telegraph | accessdate=26 February 2015 | author=Pinto, Leonard}}</ref> [[Anuradhapura cross]] is one of the archaeological claims that suggest Christianity in Sri Lanka before<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.historytoday.com/philip-jenkins/forgotten-christian-world | title=The Forgotten Christian World | publisher=[[History Today]] | accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> Portuguese.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.assyrianchurch.org/2013/08/06/mar-aprem-metropolitan-visits-ancient-anuradhapura-cross-in-official-trip-to-sri-lanka/4480 | title=Mar Aprem Metropolitan Visits Ancient Anuradhapura Cross in Official Trip to Sri Lanka | publisher=Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East | accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110626/Plus/plus_07.html | title=Did Christianity exist in ancient Sri Lanka? | publisher=Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) | accessdate=26 February 2015 | author=Weerakoon, Rajitha}}</ref> [[Roman Catholicism]] was introduced by the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] in 1505. There were conversions by [[Dutch people|Dutch]] persons in the 17th century, which resulted in a percentage of church members in excess of 10%. The Christian population of Sri Lanka includes members of both the Sinhalese and Tamil ethnic groups.
'''Christianity''' is a minority religion in [[Sri Lanka]]. Christianity was introduced to the island in first century, probably in AD 72.<ref>{{cite journal | url=http://www.academia.edu/2479850/Another_Ancient_Christian_Presence_in_Sri_Lanka_The_Ethiopians_of_Aksum | title=Another Ancient Christian Presence in Sri Lanka: The Ethiopians of Aksum | author=Mihindukulasuriya, Prabo}}</ref> There is a claim that after [[Thomas the Apostle]]’s visit in Kerala in AD 52, Christianity was introduced via [[Christianity in India|India]] due to its close geographical and commercial ties.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.aina.org/ata/20130903031249.htm | title=Early Christianity in Sri Lanka and India and Issues of Identity | publisher=Assyrian International News Agency | accessdate=26 February 2015 | author=Aprem, Mar}}</ref> According to Christian traditions, the apostle Thomas preached the Gospel in Sri Lanka<ref>{{cite web | url=https://books.google.lk/books?id=OzEOKNPsv2EC&pg=PA259&lpg=PA259&dq=Apostle+Thomas+arrived+in+Sri+Lanka&source=bl&ots=u_f-sizHMB&sig=1X7wPU-lxfkU9c1xN8SRnRx1b2Y&hl=en&sa=X&ei=OOzuVNrwN4WXuASFj4DQBA&ved=0CE4Q6AEwCTgK#v=onepage&q=Apostle%20Thomas%20arrived%20in%20Sri%20Lanka&f=false | title=Peoples of the Buddhist World: A Christian Prayer Diary | publisher=William Carey Library | date=2004 | accessdate=26 February 2015 | author=Hattaway, Paul}}</ref> Records suggest that St. Thomas Christians and Nestorian Christians lived in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/a-brief-history-of-christianity-in-sri-lanka/ | title=A Brief History Of Christianity In Sri Lanka | publisher=Colombo Telegraph | accessdate=26 February 2015 | author=Pinto, Leonard}}</ref> [[Anuradhapura cross]] is one of the archaeological claims that suggest Christianity in Sri Lanka before<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.historytoday.com/philip-jenkins/forgotten-christian-world | title=The Forgotten Christian World | publisher=[[History Today]] | accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> Portuguese.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.assyrianchurch.org/2013/08/06/mar-aprem-metropolitan-visits-ancient-anuradhapura-cross-in-official-trip-to-sri-lanka/4480 | title=Mar Aprem Metropolitan Visits Ancient Anuradhapura Cross in Official Trip to Sri Lanka | publisher=Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East | accessdate=26 February 2015 | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226144609/http://news.assyrianchurch.org/2013/08/06/mar-aprem-metropolitan-visits-ancient-anuradhapura-cross-in-official-trip-to-sri-lanka/4480 | archivedate=26 February 2015 | df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110626/Plus/plus_07.html | title=Did Christianity exist in ancient Sri Lanka? | publisher=Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) | accessdate=26 February 2015 | author=Weerakoon, Rajitha}}</ref> [[Roman Catholicism]] was introduced by the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] in 1505. There were conversions by [[Dutch people|Dutch]] persons in the 17th century, which resulted in a percentage of church members in excess of 10%. The Christian population of Sri Lanka includes members of both the Sinhalese and Tamil ethnic groups.


== Roman Catholic Church ==
== Roman Catholic Church ==
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== Protestants ==
== Protestants ==
290,967 persons in Sri Lanka (1.43%) are Protestants as per the 2012 census.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.statistics.gov.lk/Abstract2015/CHAP2/2.14.pdf | title=Population by religion and district, Census 1981, 2001, 2012 | publisher=Department of Census and Statistics od Sri Lanka. | accessdate=20 February 2016}}</ref> The [[Ceylon Pentecostal Mission]] has about 16,500 church members and 70 churches (faith homes) in Sri Lanka. There are about 2000 people (1998) affiliated with congregations belonging to the [[Baptist World Alliance]]. The [[Lanka Lutheran Church]] has about 1,200 members. [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sri Lanka|The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] claims 1,200 members in Sri Lanka.<ref>LDS Newsroom (Statistical Information)[http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/contact-us/sri-lanka Sri Lanka – LDS Newsroom]</ref>
290,967 persons in Sri Lanka (1.43%) are Protestants as per the 2012 census.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.statistics.gov.lk/Abstract2015/CHAP2/2.14.pdf | title=Population by religion and district, Census 1981, 2001, 2012 | publisher=Department of Census and Statistics od Sri Lanka. | accessdate=20 February 2016}}</ref> The [[Ceylon Pentecostal Mission]] has about 16,500 church members and 70 churches (faith homes) in Sri Lanka. There are about 2000 people (1998) affiliated with congregations belonging to the [[Baptist World Alliance]]. The [[Lanka Lutheran Church]] has about 1,200 members. [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sri Lanka|The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] claims 1,200 members in Sri Lanka.<ref>LDS Newsroom (Statistical Information)[http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/contact-us/sri-lanka Sri Lanka – LDS Newsroom] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216020023/http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/contact-us/sri-lanka |date=2008-12-16 }}</ref>


The main Protestant churches in Sri Lanka are [[Anglican]], [[Methodist]], [[Baptist]] and [[Salvation Army]]. The [[Church of Ceylon]] is an [[extra-provincial Anglican church]], while the [[Church of South India]] (a [[united church]] of Anglicans, Presbyterians, and other Protestants) is a full member of the [[Anglican Communion]] and has a diocese in Jaffna. The Anglican Church has a strong effect on people in some areas. Methodist missionaries established 187 schools of which only 2 remains ([[Wesley College, Colombo|Wesley College]] and [[Methodist College, Colombo|Methodist College]]) because all the other schools were taken over by the government. Methodism has over 40,000 followers in Sri Lanka with 45 circuits, 200 churches and 120 pastors. Moratuwa Area and Kutunayake Negombo Areas are the regions where many Methodists live. In 2005 and 2006 the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka had a very difficult time during a period of anti-Christian violence.
The main Protestant churches in Sri Lanka are [[Anglican]], [[Methodist]], [[Baptist]] and [[Salvation Army]]. The [[Church of Ceylon]] is an [[extra-provincial Anglican church]], while the [[Church of South India]] (a [[united church]] of Anglicans, Presbyterians, and other Protestants) is a full member of the [[Anglican Communion]] and has a diocese in Jaffna. The Anglican Church has a strong effect on people in some areas. Methodist missionaries established 187 schools of which only 2 remains ([[Wesley College, Colombo|Wesley College]] and [[Methodist College, Colombo|Methodist College]]) because all the other schools were taken over by the government. Methodism has over 40,000 followers in Sri Lanka with 45 circuits, 200 churches and 120 pastors. Moratuwa Area and Kutunayake Negombo Areas are the regions where many Methodists live. In 2005 and 2006 the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka had a very difficult time during a period of anti-Christian violence.
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== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://www.archdioceseofcolombo.com/ Archdiocese of Colombo]
* [http://www.archdioceseofcolombo.com/ Archdiocese of Colombo]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070501085630/http://sb.od.org:80/index.php?supp_page=sri_lanka&supp_lang=en&PHPSESSID=d86631926944c9b0c2385d8dc3dc2959 Open Doors Int'l, Sri Lanka]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070501085630/http://sb.od.org/index.php?supp_page=sri_lanka&supp_lang=en&PHPSESSID=d86631926944c9b0c2385d8dc3dc2959 Open Doors Int'l, Sri Lanka]
* [http://www.adherents.com/adhloc/Wh_309.html#710 Adherents.com, Religion by Location, Sri Lanka]
* [http://www.adherents.com/adhloc/Wh_309.html#710 Adherents.com, Religion by Location, Sri Lanka]
* [http://www.srilankanchristians.com/country.html SriLankanChristians.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070928035615/http://www.srilankanchristians.com/country.html SriLankanChristians.com]
* [http://www.internationalchurchcolombo.info/ St. Andrew's Church (Church of Scotland)]
* [http://www.internationalchurchcolombo.info/ St. Andrew's Church (Church of Scotland)]


Revision as of 12:20, 6 August 2017

Christians in Sri Lanka
6th century, known as the Anuradhapura cross plays a significant role in Christians in Sri Lanka.
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    Christianity is a minority religion in Sri Lanka. Christianity was introduced to the island in first century, probably in AD 72.[2] There is a claim that after Thomas the Apostle’s visit in Kerala in AD 52, Christianity was introduced via India due to its close geographical and commercial ties.[3] According to Christian traditions, the apostle Thomas preached the Gospel in Sri Lanka[4] Records suggest that St. Thomas Christians and Nestorian Christians lived in Sri Lanka.[5] Anuradhapura cross is one of the archaeological claims that suggest Christianity in Sri Lanka before[6] Portuguese.[7][8] Roman Catholicism was introduced by the Portuguese in 1505. There were conversions by Dutch persons in the 17th century, which resulted in a percentage of church members in excess of 10%. The Christian population of Sri Lanka includes members of both the Sinhalese and Tamil ethnic groups.

    Roman Catholic Church

    6.19% of the population (1,261,194 persons) are Roman Catholic as per the 2012 census.[9] Catholicism was first introduced by the Portuguese, who left a notable mark in the continued use of Portuguese surnames even today by many Catholics. Dutch missionaries tried to spread Protestantism after the Portuguese were expelled, however today most Sri Lankan Christians are Catholics. There is a Roman Catholic archbishop and 11 other Roman Catholic bishops.[10] The eleven dioceses are:

    1. Diocese of Anuradhapura
    2. Diocese of Badulla
    3. Diocese of Batticaloa
    4. Diocese of Chilaw
    5. Diocese of Galle
    6. Diocese of Jaffna
    7. Diocese of Kandy
    8. Diocese of Kurunegala
    9. Diocese of Mannar
    10. Diocese of Ratnapura
    11. Diocese of Trincomalee

    Protestants

    290,967 persons in Sri Lanka (1.43%) are Protestants as per the 2012 census.[11] The Ceylon Pentecostal Mission has about 16,500 church members and 70 churches (faith homes) in Sri Lanka. There are about 2000 people (1998) affiliated with congregations belonging to the Baptist World Alliance. The Lanka Lutheran Church has about 1,200 members. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims 1,200 members in Sri Lanka.[12]

    The main Protestant churches in Sri Lanka are Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and Salvation Army. The Church of Ceylon is an extra-provincial Anglican church, while the Church of South India (a united church of Anglicans, Presbyterians, and other Protestants) is a full member of the Anglican Communion and has a diocese in Jaffna. The Anglican Church has a strong effect on people in some areas. Methodist missionaries established 187 schools of which only 2 remains (Wesley College and Methodist College) because all the other schools were taken over by the government. Methodism has over 40,000 followers in Sri Lanka with 45 circuits, 200 churches and 120 pastors. Moratuwa Area and Kutunayake Negombo Areas are the regions where many Methodists live. In 2005 and 2006 the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka had a very difficult time during a period of anti-Christian violence.

    St. Andrew's Church in Colombo is a congregation of the Church of Scotland. For administrative purposes it is part of the Church of Scotland's Presbytery of Europe.

    As per 2002 year book of Jehovah's Witnesses there are around 4,019 active members in Sri Lanka.[13]

    See also

    References

    1. ^ "A3 : Population by religion according to districts, 2012". Census of Population & Housing, 2011. Department of Census & Statistics, Sri Lanka.
    2. ^ Mihindukulasuriya, Prabo. "Another Ancient Christian Presence in Sri Lanka: The Ethiopians of Aksum". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
    3. ^ Aprem, Mar. "Early Christianity in Sri Lanka and India and Issues of Identity". Assyrian International News Agency. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
    4. ^ Hattaway, Paul (2004). "Peoples of the Buddhist World: A Christian Prayer Diary". William Carey Library. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
    5. ^ Pinto, Leonard. "A Brief History Of Christianity In Sri Lanka". Colombo Telegraph. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
    6. ^ "The Forgotten Christian World". History Today. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
    7. ^ "Mar Aprem Metropolitan Visits Ancient Anuradhapura Cross in Official Trip to Sri Lanka". Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East. Archived from the original on 26 February 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
    8. ^ Weerakoon, Rajitha. "Did Christianity exist in ancient Sri Lanka?". Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). Retrieved 26 February 2015.
    9. ^ "Population by religion and district, Census 1981, 2001, 2012" (PDF). Department of Census and Statistics od Sri Lanka. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
    10. ^ "A SHORT HISTORY OF CATHOLIC CHURCH IN SRI LANKA". Ministry of Christian Affairs Sri Lanka. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
    11. ^ "Population by religion and district, Census 1981, 2001, 2012" (PDF). Department of Census and Statistics od Sri Lanka. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
    12. ^ LDS Newsroom (Statistical Information)Sri Lanka – LDS Newsroom Archived 2008-12-16 at the Wayback Machine
    13. ^ "Jehovahs Witnesses: Countries Compared". Retrieved 20 February 2016.
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